Shipping M3 from TX to CA...closed or unenclosed + detail upon arrival?

Just picked up an E92 M3, and I need to ship it from TX to California. It's about $600 more to ship it in an enclosed trailer rather than open-air. If I ship it open air I figure I can just get a really nice detail when it arrives, but my only concern is if a bird craps on it at the beginning of the trip and that sits and burns its way into the paint for nearly an entire week.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Unfortunately it's apparently against federal law to ship a car on an open trailer with a car cover or I'd just opt for that.

You can go either. Doesn't really matter as this car is just an M3. It's fully insured either way. I honestly don't care because if the car gets damaged or totaled in anyway that opens the door for a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo. Fact.

If its any consolation I have seen ZO6s and a 05 Gallardo on an open trailer.

Enclosed....I just took delivery of one of my rides that was transported from Houston to Colorado. Entire front end peppered with rock chips. Sure, insurance is covering the damage after I pay the $500 deductible....I would rather have come out of pocket $600 for an enclosed shipment and spared myself the grief!

Enclosed....I just took delivery of one of my rides that was transported from Houston to Colorado. Entire front end peppered with rock chips. Sure, insurance is covering the damage after I pay the $500 deductible....I would rather have come out of pocket $600 for an enclosed shipment and spared myself the grief!

Doesn't sound correct at all.

Did they drag your car or something? The positioning of the car really doesn't allow for your car to get peppered with rocks especially if higher up on the truck. I just saw 4 cars all that have been on a trailer for over 2000 miles and not one had any issues. What did you pay? Insurance with the company? Just doesn't sound right at all.

I had my show S2000 shipped uncovered for 3000 miles and only issue was a stolen oilcap. Bought a new one and a week later won first place at a car show.

And FYI the cost difference is only a few hundred dollars, if that. I just don't value the M3 like some of you guys. Just a temporary car really or a stepping stone to something better.

I wouldn't have even covered my $90000+ NSX back in the day. Just me though.

Did they drag your car or something? The positioning of the car really doesn't allow for your car to get peppered with rocks especially if higher up on the truck. I just saw 4 cars all that have been on a trailer for over 2000 miles and not one had any issues. What did you pay? Insurance with the company? Just doesn't sound right at all.

I had my show S2000 shipped uncovered for 3000 miles and only issue was a stolen oilcap. Bought a new one and a week later won first place at a car show.

And FYI the cost difference is only a few hundred dollars, if that. I just don't value the M3 like some of you guys. Just a temporary car really or a stepping stone to something better.

I wouldn't have even covered my $90000+ NSX back in the day. Just me though.

Unless someone took it for a joyride through the desert along the way! I paid $2500 for shipment originating in Germany to Houston with inland delivery to Colorado Springs. Looks like it was the bottom row, last car...was off the truck when I arrived and the rest of the truck was still loaded. Assessment for repairs came in at a total of $4400 Insurance was made through USAA....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heckler&Koch

Doesn't sound correct at all.

Did they drag your car or something? The positioning of the car really doesn't allow for your car to get peppered with rocks especially if higher up on the truck. I just saw 4 cars all that have been on a trailer for over 2000 miles and not one had any issues. What did you pay? Insurance with the company? Just doesn't sound right at all.

I had my show S2000 shipped uncovered for 3000 miles and only issue was a stolen oilcap. Bought a new one and a week later won first place at a car show.

And FYI the cost difference is only a few hundred dollars, if that. I just don't value the M3 like some of you guys. Just a temporary car really or a stepping stone to something better.

I wouldn't have even covered my $90000+ NSX back in the day. Just me though.

Request to have your car on the bottom level. Bottom has a significantly lesser chance of damage compared to top. Car shipper told me this when I shipped mine. FYI-mine had no damage. It was just dirty.